Located on Tran Quoc Toan Street, Xuan Huong Ward, Da Lat, right beside the scenic Xuan Huong Lake, Lam Vien Square is one of the city’s most distinctive modern architectural landmarks. With its expansive public space and two iconic structures inspired by the wild sunflower and artichoke flower, the square has become a familiar symbol of Da Lat, the city of flowers.
Beyond being a popular sightseeing and photo spot, Lam Vien Square serves as an important venue for community activities, cultural and artistic events, and large-scale celebrations, particularly programs associated with the Da Lat Flower Festival.
From Urban Planning to a Modern Landmark
The Lam Vien Square project was approved by Lam Dong Province with the aim of creating a major public space worthy of an international tourism city while providing a suitable venue for large-scale festivals and public events.
Construction officially began in 2009. After more than six years of construction, with a total investment of approximately VND 681 billion, the project was completed and officially opened to the public in 2016.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the design is the combination of modern steel structures with thousands of colored glass panels assembled into flowing, curved forms. The architectural concept draws inspiration from two flowers closely associated with Da Lat’s landscape and agricultural identity: the wild sunflower and the artichoke.
The Two Iconic Architectural Structures
Lam Vien Square covers more than 72,000 square meters, or approximately 7.2 hectares. The main event area can accommodate around 60,000 people, while the outdoor grandstand has a designed capacity of approximately 15,000 fixed seats.
The two most recognizable structures are the Giant Wild Sunflower and the Artichoke Bud.
The Giant Wild Sunflower
The Giant Wild Sunflower is designed as a stylized flower embracing the hillside and facing Xuan Huong Lake. Its large yellow glass petals curve gently around a structure framed by green glass panels, creating a striking visual landmark when viewed from the lakeside.
The structure is more than 18 meters high and has a floor area of more than 1,200 square meters. Inside is a multipurpose performing arts space capable of accommodating thousands of spectators and hosting cultural and artistic programs.
The Artichoke Bud
Standing opposite the wild sunflower is the Artichoke Bud, inspired by the artichoke, one of Da Lat’s most characteristic agricultural products.
The structure is more than 15 meters high, with a floor area of approximately 1,200 square meters. Emerald-green and turmeric-yellow glass panels are arranged in a spiral pattern, creating the impression of an artichoke bud reaching toward the sky.
Inside the structure is a distinctive café space, known according to the provided source as Doha Cafe. Visitors can enjoy drinks while observing sunlight passing through and refracting across the colored glass panels.
Together, the two structures have become one of the most recognizable visual signatures of modern Da Lat.
Underground Facilities, Fountain and Public Spaces
Beneath the square is an underground commercial and entertainment complex. It includes GO! Da Lat, formerly Big C, a food court, a bowling area and the Cinestar cinema complex.
Above ground, the central square features a spacious granite-paved surface designed to accommodate large gatherings, festivals and community activities.
The artistic fountain and water-music system provide another visual highlight. On selected weekend evenings and major holidays, the water display can be combined with lighting and laser effects, adding a lively atmosphere to the square after dark.
The combination of the expansive plaza, open-air grandstand, underground facilities and architectural landmarks allows Lam Vien Square to function as both an urban public space and a major event venue.
Festivals, Events and Da Lat’s Nighttime Atmosphere
Lam Vien Square is one of the principal venues for major events in Da Lat. It hosts activities associated with the Da Lat Flower Festival, New Year’s Eve countdown celebrations, international marathon events, cultural exchanges and artistic performances.
In the evening, particularly from around 17:00 to 22:00, the square becomes a lively gathering place for residents and visitors. Street activities may include rollerblading, kite flying and children’s electric cars, while informal food stalls offer familiar Da Lat specialties such as grilled rice paper, soybean milk and grilled corn with scallion oil.
Its location beside Xuan Huong Lake also makes the square a convenient place to enjoy Da Lat’s evening atmosphere, with the lake and illuminated cityscape providing a memorable backdrop.
Visitor Information
Address: Tran Quoc Toan Street, Xuan Huong Ward, Da Lat, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam.
Opening hours: The outdoor square and grandstand are open to the public around the clock.
The underground commercial complex, supermarket and cinema operate on their own schedules, with the provided reference information indicating approximately 08:00 to 22:00 daily.
Admission: Free for the outdoor square. Visitors only pay for individual services such as parking, shopping, dining, cinema tickets or café purchases.
Parking: Underground parking is available, together with additional motorcycle and car parking areas around Tran Quoc Toan Street and Ho Tung Mau Street.
Reference parking fees provided in the source are:
- Motorcycles: approximately VND 5,000 to 10,000 per visit
- Cars: approximately VND 20,000 to 50,000 per visit
Opening hours and service fees may change from time to time.
Lam Vien Square, a New Symbol of Da Lat
Since its completion, Lam Vien Square has become an important part of Da Lat’s modern urban identity. Its broad lakeside setting, combined with the striking Wild Sunflower and Artichoke Bud structures, creates a contemporary architectural counterpoint to the city’s historic villas, pine forests and romantic highland scenery.
Today, the square serves several roles at once: a venue for major festivals and public events, a community gathering space, and one of Da Lat’s most popular photography and sightseeing spots.
For travelers exploring the city center, Lam Vien Square is an essential stop for experiencing the modern face of Da Lat, where architecture, public life, cultural events and the landscape of Xuan Huong Lake come together in one of the city’s most recognizable urban spaces.
